Danna

Once the Commander had left Danna spent the night on edge. Cole was’s temper was broiling, she’d even taken him to bed hoping to cool him off but it hadn’t worked. That usually worked.

“Can you tell me what’s wrong?” She finally managed. He looked at her.

“You’d said he was here about the dragons,” his eyes were stormy. She swallowed. “He’s not asked you about me?”

“No,” she said, a lie but a small enough one. “He asked for your surname, but I didn’t think that was a secret.” Cole frowned. “We know why at least, he knows other merchants. I don’t think,” Cole stood up from the bed and shook his head, pulling his pants on. “Cole.”

“He doesn’t know other merchants, you stupid bitch,” he said, she swallowed. “He’s Tristan Dugarry’s partner. He could send word to the Chancellor and that would be it, my life, this life, everything you want, gone, like that,” he snapped in her face and she flinched back.

“But you have a charter,” she whispered.

“I have a charter for basic trade and shipping from home,” he said. She stared at him. “The glass is obviously not covered by anything, no one knows it exists, but the mine is also unsanctioned.” She stared at him.

“What does that mean?” She asked. He frowned. “Cole, what does that mean?” He marched out and slammed the door. She swallowed and closed her eyes. It was over, she realized whatever this was, it was horribly over.

She also didn’t know how to leave.

The next day she stood behind the bar organizing when Commander Chastain walked in. He walked over and she looked at him. He hadn’t been at breakfast and she didn’t ask where he’d been. She could probably guess.

“I wanted to apologize,” he said, his low voice gentle. “Last night seemed, exceptionally tense.” She nodded.

“You have nothing to apologize for,” she said, “Cole was in a foul mood.” He nodded.

“As you say,” he said. “Did he hit you?” She stared at him. How did he know? She knew she didn’t hide it well from people who knew her, but he didn’t.

“No,” she shook her head.

“Has he?” He asked. She frowned. “I don’t want to pry, it’s your business, I just,” he exhaled. “He seems the type.”

“I’m alright,” she said gently. “He was very angry though.” She sighed. “He might try to kill you.” She meant the warning.

“He can try,” The Commander shrugged, “other men have.” She scrunched her face at him. “I’m serious, Mistress Finn, if you need anything.” She swallowed.

“What would you know about it?” She asked. He exhaled.

“The guard got me safe,” he explained. “My uncle, who raised me, had a tendency to forcefully correct things he felt were out of order.” She swallowed. “I was frequently out of order, as was his wife and his son.” She nodded. “If you need help, please don’t hesitate to ask, I mean it.”

“Thank you,” she said softly. “Commander,” she said, “what’s the queen’s interest in the dragons?” He smiled.

“I got the feeling you knew more than you said,” he exhaled. “She wants some understanding of all the old magic, we have connections to a lot of them. Katrin Lestoff, the king consort’s sister is a serpent rider, and the Rastani royal family’s connection to the wolves is already being studied, as well as her own and the Duchess’s increased powers.” Danna exhaled. “But we know almost nothing of the dragons, beyond old stories. Her interest in the dragons specifically is just to humor me, if I’m being honest.” She smiled and nodded at that.

“Can you meet me outside of town tomorrow?” She said. “The western side? Just after moonrise.” He smiled.

“Of course,” he said. “I’m looking forward to it.”